In a decisive action, the Bauchi State government has closed down 39 private colleges of education due to their failure to secure proper registration. Lydia Tsammani, the commissioner for higher education, announced this decision during a news conference held in Bauchi on Thursday.
Tsammani explained that these colleges had been operating without approval from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE). Moreover, they lacked the necessary infrastructure required for educational institutions. “We discovered that 39 colleges were running without proper facilities,” Tsammani said. Many of these institutions were using spaces in primary schools. This meant that after the primary school day ended, the NCE programs would begin, often with borrowed teachers and insufficient resources.
The Ministry of Higher Education had previously issued a notice to these unregistered colleges, giving them six months to complete their registration and establish the necessary structures. If they failed to do so, they would face penalties. Tsammani stressed that only those colleges meeting the registration criteria and employing qualified staff would be allowed to continue. Twelve colleges that had already received approval from the NCCE were permitted to remain open, provided they hired the required staff and paid the necessary registration fees.
Furthermore, Tsammani pointed out that these colleges must admit only qualified candidates. She noted that some institutions were more focused on collecting school fees rather than maintaining high educational standards. The commissioner also criticized these colleges for failing to upgrade their facilities and equipment. Some were still using outdated analogue typewriters, even though digital technology is now standard.
The closure of these colleges shows the government’s commitment to improving the quality of education. By enforcing registration and infrastructure requirements, the state aims to ensure that all educational institutions meet necessary standards. This move is part of a broader effort to enhance the educational landscape in Bauchi State.
The government’s decision to shut down these colleges reflects a push towards better regulation and quality control in education. It also highlights the need for institutions to invest in adequate resources and infrastructure to provide a suitable learning environment for students.
Overall, the closure of these 39 colleges is a significant step towards strengthening the education system in Bauchi State. It signals a commitment to ensuring that educational institutions adhere to established standards and offer quality education to their students.
